December 19, 2014 issue #584

The Senior Newspaper Serving Volusia & Flagler Counties For 23 Years—COMPLIMENTARY COPY

A Publication of Schillinger Enterprises, Inc. © 2014 Volume XXIII – Issue 26

December 19, 2014

Christmas Around The World Page A-5

Visit Us Online At: seniorstodaynewspaper.com

Page A-2—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014 Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ompany G is going into its third year of entertaining at area nursing homes. It is awesome, the variety of wonderful singers who have come together to form this special group. We have some who sing in choirs and/or choruses and some who have retired but haven’t retired their voices or their love for caring and sharing.

We are winding down for 2014 with two Christmas performances to go.

Since this is a most exciting time of the year ( and the rest of the year has been so rewarding) in 2015 we are planning to work at perfecting the ‘oldies but goodies’ that we bring to the residents of nursing homes.

Donna, a retired professor from Ohio, comes to Florida in October, sings with us until April, then returns to her other home for the summer months.

Nina, our other redhead, is right on the money with her singing and knowledge. She is still repairing after a serious operation and sings on good days.

Pauline from England, a terrific soloist, will be back with us in the new year. For this holiday season, she will be visiting relatives in Australia. (Oh, how we would love to go along!)

Terri will be with us through the 2014 singing season, then off she goes to be with her family for Christmas. She misses them every day and yearns for her family times together.

Joyce lives full time in Florida and is a joy to have singing with us. She does, however, have to miss some sing-outs if there’s a ballgame she and her husband wish to attend.

Jacque, a native Floridian, knows every person in town who went to Mainland. She’s in and out of COGs for health reasons but she’s unforgettable as a humorist as well as singer.

Sue is a teacher and a terrific singer with an unbelievable voice range. I

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COA IN-Home Services provides peace of mind to

You Name It …by Kitty Maiden

say she is “everybody’s best friend.”

She loves her sons, family and friends, and her little dog, TJ (Ted Junior, named after the one before).

Runae is an ordained minister and a singer of many parts (from lead to bass). Her husband, Gene, likes to share these special times and helps out the group with programs and other needs.

Dr. Val, a writer and psychologist, is a wonderful singer and has developed a special talent with her tambourine.

Husband, Norm, a jazz musician and forensic psychologist, honors Company G by being our pianist. What would we do without them?

Barbara had just gotten with COGs when her dear husband became ill.

We look forward to having her back as soon as possible Then there’s me, as emcee.

We miss Sandy, who went back to work… and Jean, who moved to another state to be with family… and Jeanie, who doesn’t like to drive very far… and Betty, who has other commitments.

People ask where we got our name.

Memories of old songs brought to mind by the Andrew Sisters, one of their tunes was Bugler Boy of Company B. Ah ha …. Company G. Now we are asked what the G stands for. You name it… gals… girls… gang… whatever. We have enjoyed singing for you and will be there again next year.

Our wish is that your new year brings a bright future following this most wonderful time of the year!

Kitty Maiden is a staff writer for Seniors Today.

December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page A-3

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Page A-4—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014

Seniors Today 360 S. Yonge, Street Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Phone: 386.677.7060 Fax: 386.677.0836 Website: seniorstodaynewspaper.com Published by Schillinger Enterprises, Inc. General Manager Bonnie Schillinger Editor Bonnie Gragg Staff Writers Kitty Maiden Peggy & George Goldtrap

Seniors Today is published and distributed free every other Friday to inform, entertain, and serve those over the age of 50.

Deadlines: The deadline for advertising is Friday, 5 P.M., one week prior to the Friday publication date.

Advertisements and copy: All advertisements and copy is believed to be truthful and accurate. Seniors Today reserves the right to edit, revise, or reject any advertising and/or submitted articles for publication. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

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Errors and Omissions: Neither the publisher nor the advertiser are liable for mistakes, errors, or omissions. The sole liability of Seniors Today to an advertiser is to reprint the corrected ad in the next issue.

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This pertains to the duplication of either advertising or non-advertising material.

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What’s Happening Around Town…

Alzheimer’s Education Do you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s? Join the Alzheimer's Association for the free Basics Education Program on Jan. 10 from 9:30–11:30 A.M. at Deltona Lakes Baptist Church, 2886 Elkcam Blvd., Deltona. This free program provides information on detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more. RSVP to 386.789.4200.

Travel Expo Discovery Travel invites you to their 31st Anniversary Travel Expo on Friday, Jan. 9 from 1 to 4 P.M. at the Daytona airport with free parking. Numerous cruise lines and tour companies will be on hand to help you plan your 2015 travel! Get a $20 coupon off a 7 night cruise or tour. Door prizes too!

For details call, 386.788.8201.

Audubon Events Halifax River Audubon is hosting the following free field trips and meeting, open to the public: Friday, January 9—Bird watching field trip to Merritt Island NWR, Titusville. Meet at 7 A.M. at auxiliary parking lot near Panera on Dunlawton Avenue to form carpools. Requires limited walking. Bring lunch and beverage. Call 386.788.2360.

Wednesday, January 14—Gull watching workshop. Meet at Frank Rendon Park, 2705 S. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores at 3:30 P.M. You can stay in the parking lot and scope the birds from there or walk the beach to search for rarities. For more details, call 386.253.1166.

Friday, January 16—Bird watching field trip to Marlbed Flats, Lake Jessup in Seminole County. Meet at 7 A.M. at International Square parking lot behind Krystal Restaurant (east of I-95) to form carpools. Requires walking 1+ miles on uneven and possibly wet terrain; waterproof footwear recommended. Bring lunch and beverage.

Call 386.788.2360.

Monday, January 26—Halifax River Audubon monthly meeting at Sica Hall, 1065 Daytona Ave, Holly Hill. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. Greg Miller, “one of the guys from The Big Year” will talk about his birding adventures at 7 P.M. Brief business meeting follows presentation. Visitors and guests welcome. Call 386.673.5332.

Cruise & Tour Show

Holiday Worship

Join Roseborough Travel Agency for a presentation with cruise and vacation specialist on Sat., Jan. 10 from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. at Victoria Gardens Clubhouse, 1001 Garden Club Dr., DeLand. Loads of giveaways, deals, discounts, and more. Over $600 in prizes! RSVP today to be registered to win specialty prizes and for an extra chance at the grand prize to 386.734.7245.

Are you looking for a warm, friendly church to celebrate your holidays? Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 724 Big Tree Rd., South Daytona invites you to attend their holiday services. Come on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 8 & 10 A.M. Each child will receive a gift and enjoy a special object lesson for the children at 10 A.M. Christmas Eve at 6 P.M. is a Communion Service followed by a cookie and punch reception at 6:30 P.M. Then stay for the beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight Cantata beginning at 7 P.M. On Christmas Day plan to attend a 10 A.M. Heritage Christmas Service. On Dec. 28 join them as they celebrate the New Year at 8 A.M. and 10 A.M. For more information, call 386.767.6542.

Garden Club The Ormond Beach Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, January 7 at The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach. The meeting will begin with a Coffee Social at 9:30 A.M. Sandy Hartung of The Flower Market will speak on Floral Designs For The New Year.

The meeting will be followed by a luncheon at Betty’s A1A Café at 12 NOON. Everyone is welcome to attend! For more information, please call Sue Parkerson at 386.672.3528.

Worship Opportunities Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach invites you to celebrate Christmas and worship with them on Christmas Eve at 4 P.M., 6 P.M. (contemporary service), or at 10 P.M. Then join them on Christmas Day at 11 A.M. For more details on any of the services, call 386.255.0433.

Migratory Birds Michael Brothers will lead this lecture about a pelagic birding tour that he took this past May with 40 stalwart explorers with the high seas and the waves in the Gulf Stream reaching 68 feet, or higher. They managed to find a good assortment of birds. Lecture takes place at the Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach, 6 to 8 P.M. There is no charge, and no reservations required. For more information contact the MDC Welcome Desk 386.428.4828 or mark@marine discoverycenter.org

Lunch Bunch Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 724 Big Tree Road, South Daytona host Lunch Bunch every Thurs. at 12 NOON. (except Dec. 25 & Jan. 1) Doors open at 11:30 A.M. Just $5 gets you lunch and bingo with non-monetary prizes.

Reservations by noon the Tuesday prior.

Call the church office at 386.767.6542 and leave a message.

Medicare Workshop Come find out how medicare works and get the answers to frequently asked questions on Jan. 6 at 10 A.M. at Great American Senior Benefits, 1930 West Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. Seating fills fast! RSVP to 386.671.9150 or greatamericanpr@yahoo.com and leave name and date you wish to attend.

Free $10 gift certificate to Gourmet Kitchen for all attendees!

Free Caregiver’s Days Need a break from caregiving? First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach is providing a free Caregiver’s Day Out that includes food, fun, and special attention for care receivers. The days are from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. on Sat., Jan. 10, Thur., Feb. 12, and Thur., Mar, 12 at First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach. For information, please call Sherry at 386.677.3581, ext.

311. This is a wonderful opportunity for caregivers to have a break and know that their loved ones are being taken care of in a loving, safe environment.

Palette & Brush Club The Palette & Brush Club meets the first Thurs. of the month at 1:30 P.M. at the Art League of Daytona Beach, 433 S. Palmetto. Open Studio is the 3rd Thurs. of the month. Call 386.676.9821 for information. New members are welcome.

Support Group Grief Support Group There is a grief support group for New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding areas that meets at the NSB Library at 1001 S. Dixie Hwy. the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 1:30–3 P.M. Anyone who has lost a loved one is welcome to join this group. For details, call 386.428.6458.

December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page A-5

Christmas Around The World NAPSA

By Sabrina Napolitano n America, Christmas means Santa Claus, brightly decorated Christmas trees, and gingerbread cookies. Other countries celebrate Christmas in their own special way! Take a look at some of the unique Christmas traditions below and share them with your family. It's a fun way to learn about a new culture, and might even provide some ideas to spice up your own Christmas.

The United Kingdom—The British celebrate much the way we do in America, but with an added twist. During Christmas dinner, they'll tear apart Christmas crackers — cardboard tubes wrapped in decorative paper made to resemble a large sweet. In-side is a paper hat, small toy, and a riddle or trivia.

The paper hats are normally worn at Christmas dinner, which usually consists of roast beef or goose. For dessert, the British will have a nice Christmas pudding, traditionally made with dried fruits held together by egg or suet.

Poland—Christmas Eve in Poland is very important. As the country is largely Catholic, most Poles will fast during the day and eat a special dinner after the first star is seen in the sky. This meal is traditionally meat-free. Before dinner, the family will break bread together using an Oplatek —a wafer embossed with religious imagery.

The eldest member of the family will break a piece of the wafer first while a prayer is said, passing it around until each member has one.

Italy—The Italians love to use nativity crib scenes to tell the Christmas story. In fact, it's not uncommon for nativity crib scenes to be very grandiose, sometimes covered in candles and decorative paper. The largest nativity crib scene is in the Italian city of Naples, with more than 600 objects on it!

Typically, Italian families eat a light fish dinner on Christmas Eve before going to Midnight Mass. One of the real treats of an Italian Christmas are the sweets such as struffoli, balls of fried dough drizzled in honey.

Australia—Down Under, it's actually summertime during Christmas! Even though it's hot, that doesn't stop the Australians from celebrating. Many decorate their houses with Christmas bush, a native tree

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with white flowers that turn red in the summer. Australians even have their own Christmas carols, such as Six White Boomers, which tells the story of Santa using kangaroos to delivery presents in Australia's summer weather.

Ghana is a coastal country in Africa where Christmas is celebrated starting Dec. 20. During Christmas Eve services, there usually is a lively celebration with drums and dancing. For their Christmas meal, Ghanaians tend to eat okra soup, porridge, and a yam paste called fufu, which is usually dipped in the soup.

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Argentina—It's also warm in Argentina during Christmas, so the meal on Christmas Eve may be eaten in the garden or even be a barbecue. A popular dessert is pan dulce, literally, sweet bread. In addition, there are usually fireworks. Some Argentinians also will light globos—small hot air balloons made of paper with light inside. They release them into the night sky, and globos can be seen floating all over Argentina on Christmas Eve! Philippines—If you visit the Philippines during Christmas, you may see parol, a bamboo pole with a lighted star on it, usually decorated with colored Japanese paper or cellophane. It's the most popular Christmas decoration in the Philippines. On Christmas Eve, there is a large midnight feast with family, friends, and even neighbors known as Noche Buena. Some of the dishes found laid out on the table might be lechon (roasted pig), bibingka, and puto bumbog (steamed rice cakes), as well as white rice.

Of all the Asian countries, the Philippines has the largest concentration of Christians and Catholics, so Christmas is widely celebrated.

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Page A-6—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014

Happy Holidays From

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Ah, Christmas!

by Peggy Goldtrap h, Christmas past. Most seniors remember it with a feeling of warmth and nostalgia, shadow images of a sweeter, gentler time. We long for a return to quiet evenings gathered around a brightly lit tree, precious homemade ornaments, dancing reflections in strings and strands of Christmas lights.

Ah, Christmas, the wheezing and sneezing began as last winter’s dust and lint clouded the air. Miles of spidery strands of lights were spread on the floor; the alpha and omega of wiring. All had to be straightened before wrapping the tree to the tiptop and setting the angel on high.

Lights! Action! BAZzazzZap! One bad bulb darkened all the strands. My vocabulary was broadened as dad tried to figure out which ‘blankitty blank blinking’ light was the culprit.

Ah, Christmas and angel hair, my favorite. It conjured up images of heavenly creatures fluttering around my magical cedar tree. The tree didn’t look so magical in my grandpa’s back lot, but imagination works wonders. Mother would spend most of her time sweeping up dried needles. My brother would grudgingly help my dad reset the tree after it took a tumble when the cat tried to climb it. Angel hair made the tree look surreal, but the teeny shards of glass imbedded in Dad’s skin irritated his psoriasis. Mother tried to initiate joy as she peeled pieces of angel hair from the package. The stuff never did come out in one piece as advertised, so our tree looked like it came from the ER. No matter, the tree was the stuff of storybooks.

Ah, Christmas, when the whole family gathered at the table for a feast of gluttony, scoops of lovingly prepared and treasured recipes. Aprons stained with spills would not be removed until everything was on the table and secure. Pass the bowls, the plates, pile it on high; this is not the day to diet.

Of course, in those days, few people worried about dieting, calories didn’t count and food was not instantly accessible or available. Christmas was a gastronomic celebration without leftovers.

Ah, Christmas, when you traveled to grandpa’s house crammed in the back of a ’37 Chevy, and it was so cold you could write your name on the windows. The heating systems and a noisy fan blowing minimal warmth, never reaching the rear seat though the seat was inches from the front.

Ah, nostalgia, the ability to remember what we haven’t repressed. Nostalgia is a second coat of paint. It’s better crayons for our childhood coloring book. Many of us on the senior stage of life, try to walk while looking backwards, and we trip over progress and future. No, the Christmas we remember will never be again; it’s time to create memories for our children.

When we were young, people didn’t buy things at the stores 365 days a year.

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Happy Talk … by George & Peggy Goldtrap We didn’t have the Internet. A mouse was something we tried to trap. Gift cards came in a deck of 52. We actually saved, then shopped, and we’d never exchange.

Current ads in which children pitch a hissy at the parent or they mock the gift selection would have resulted in a whipping, smacking, thrashing, grounding, bed without supper, or maybe all of the above.

Ingratitude was a serious offense.

Parents always want to please their children so advertisers take advantage of that with music, color, joyous bells, and charity. Every trick is used to separate your common sense from your cash. It often works. There’s a reason why retailers call November’s date, Black Friday.

Nostalgia is great, but the days of oranges and nuts in a stocking are over. We’re a consumer driven society. Now we shop so our neighbors can keep their jobs. Buy American is a patriotic imperative. Support your local merchants but don’t cross check prices with your phone scan.

We’re supposed to avoid the Big Box stores to schmooze with mom and pop.

We’re economically stressed but prodded to continue buying. It’s an economic double-bind; we’re shamed into spending and shamed when we don’t.

Remember the days of lavishly decorated store windows displaying incredible toy trains and exquisitely dressed dolls in custom designed, colorful boxes? Gone are the sidewalks and roller skates.

Today we shop internationally from the comfort of our easy chair and with only a mouse as our companion. We don’t wrap, stamp, or hand-deliver. A few clicks and our list is finished. Need a card to go with your virtual gift package? Type your personal message, then choose the accent and gender you want on the audio portion of the card.

Our children and grands will remember their past electronically; through the magic of digital recordings, flash drives, thumb drives, cell phones, clouds and yet to come genius connections and storage. I’ve heard people wax nostalgically about DOS, Pac Man, Game Boys, and when Superman was a reporter not a Blogger.

Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be, and yet it is. Nostalgia is whatever we wish to remember; with whomever we wish was with us; wherever the old paths lead us; whenever we choose to reminisce.

Let’s enjoy our trip to the past, but hastily return to the present or we might miss out on now!

George and Peggy Goldtrap are both actors, speakers, and writers and may be reached at georgegoldtrap@gmail.com

December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page A-7

Smart Phone Health Applications ith all of the new technology these days, Apple just released a new application with its latest software update, iOS8, entitled Medical ID (although other smart phones have similar applications as well). This new application could be a lifesaver for those who use it.

The Medical ID application screen allows one to enter information such as name, birth date, medical conditions, medical notes, allergies and reactions, medications, emergency contacts, blood type, organ donor status, weight, and height.

To create a Medical ID, one needs to (1) launch the Health App from the iPhone screen; (2) once the app is launched, tap on the Medical ID tab at the bottom of the screen; (3) fill out the information that the app prompts you to enter.

The most important part of this process is to make sure you allow the Medical ID to be accessed even when your iPhone is locked and pass code protected, as the picture indicates. That then allows an individual to open your Medical ID, even without your pass code, by taping the emergency button at the bottom of the iPhone screen and then selecting Medical ID. By allowing the Medical ID app to be launched from your lock screen, you are

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allowing a first responder to make sound medical decisions about your health that could affect diagnosis and treatment if you are unable to speak for yourself. A first responder would then have access to all of your medical information ranging from recent surgeries to chronic illnesses to allergic reactions to medications.

One can even include notes about healthcare documents they have executed such as a living will and/or a healthcare power of attorney. Our office encourages our clients to take advantage of such smart phone health applications because one can never know when they may be unable to speak for themselves.

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Page A-8—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014

Scams Of Every Variety nfortunately, many scams specifically target seniors.

Here’s one such scam.

Maybe you’ve heard of it.

A con artist approaches their target, strikes up a conversation and proceeds to tell the person that he has a winning lottery ticket. Then he claims that he can’t cash the ticket, perhaps because he’s under age, can’t afford to pay the up-front taxes required to collect the winnings, is a foreigner, or is in the country illegally. None of this is true: It’s just a ruse to draw you in to the scam.

Usually, these con artists work in teams. At this point, an accomplice acting like a stranger will wander by, pretend to overhear the conversation and then get involved, even look at the lottery ticket to supposedly confirm that it’s a winner. Now they’ve got you hooked. They will either offer to sell you the supposed winning lottery ticket for a portion of the purported winnings or ask you to put up money to help collect the winnings, with a promise to be cut in on the profits once the ticket is cashed. Before you know it, the victim is being convinced to withdraw money from their bank account and turn it over to the con artists as collateral. After that

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happens, the con artists quickly disappear with the victim’s money.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened a few weeks ago to an 86year-old Deltona man. The con artist told the man that she had a winning lottery ticket, but claimed she couldn’t cash it in because she wasn’t a U.S. citizen. Before long, the victim was convinced to drive to three different banks, where he withdrew a total of $25,000. In exchange, he was told that he would be given the winning lottery ticket to cash in. After handing over the money, the victim was then tricked into going into a store to pick up something for the suspects. When he came out, the suspects and his money had vanished.

Don’t let this happen to you. The best way to avoid victimization is to learn how to recognize the tell-tale signs of a scam. If someone approaches you with a story about needing help cashing in a winning lottery ticket, don’t believe it. Simply walk away and then report the encounter to law enforcement.

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December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page A-9

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Page A-10—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014

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What’s In The Stars For The Week Of December 22 ARIES (March 21 to April 19) That change in holiday travel plans might be more vexing than you'd expected. Try to take it in stride. Use that Aries charm to coax out some cooperation.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine determination helps you deal with an unforeseen complication. As usual, you prove that when it comes to a challenge, you have what it takes.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Although a romantic theme dominates the week, all those warm and fuzzy feelings don't interfere with the other matters you need to take care of.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Best not to ignore those doubts about an upcoming decision. Instead, recheck the facts you were given to make sure nothing important was left out.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) No time for a catnap. You might still have to straighten out one or two factors so that you can assure yourself of the truth about a troubling workplace situation.

VIRGO (August 23 to Sept. 22) News from an old friend could lead to an unexpected (but nonetheless welcome) reunion with someone who had once been very special in your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) It might be time for a family council. The sooner those problems are resolved, the sooner you can move ahead with your holiday preparations. Go for it!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Take some time out to give more attention to a personal relationship that seems to be suffering from a sense of emotional neglect. Provide reassurance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) That unusual circumstance that might faze most people can be handled pretty well by the savvy Sagittarian. Look at it as opportunity rather than an obstacle.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Someone you believe has hurt you in the past might now need your help. Reaching out could be difficult. The generous Goat will be able to do the right thing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Prioritizing is an important part of your pre-holiday scheduling. Try to give time both to your workday responsibilities and personal matters.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) With the vestiges of your anger about that painful incident fading, you can now focus all your energy on the more positive aspects of your life.

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December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page A-11

Chicken Soup For The Soul Teacher Receives Gift asked my son during our church's Christmas toy drive. “Don't you have any toys to share?” He said.“I don't have anything, we're so poor.”

We're only poor because we refuse to buy him the texting phone he wants for Christmas, which would also require a monthly texting charge.

“You're never so poor you have nothing to give,” I found myself saying to him, a phrase my mother often used on me.

At work the next day, one of my students said, “I didn't spell your name right,” as she handed me a Christmas gift—a beribboned box of chocolates. The woman had been out of work for months!

“Thank you, Joanna,” I said, trying to hold back the tears as I hugged her.

I hadn't expected a gift—I work at an adult education center, where we deal with people every day who struggle economically. When I was hired, my boss told me she tries to keep snacks around the center and cooks stone soup once a week, where whoever can bring something in does, because you will hear growling bellies here.

They give their food to the children before they themselves eat.

Yet these people, so grateful for a second chance at getting an education, unable to sometimes even afford the gas money to come in, manage to do something for

I

us nearly every week. Some bring in food; others do chores around the center. They help and encourage one another, and us.

They give what they are able to give.

When I brought the candies home to share with my family, I told them just how precious each chocolate was if you thought of how much the unemployed woman's family makes a year. I said it again, understanding so much better in my heart, “You're never so poor you have nothing to give.”

Immediately, I went to my bookshelf and chose several of my favorite novels to share with the center. When I had them boxed, I turned to find my son nonchalantly lugging a white laundry basket of toys he had played with when younger. “I don't want these old things,” he said.

I saw among them his beloved Buzz Lightyear and his favorite stuffed dog, Squishy. I set them aside for the toy drive and kissed him on his forehead. He had learned the way I had—by example. Now the students had not only impacted me, but my family as well. Here I had thought I was the teacher, but Joanna and the rest of the students at the center are the ones teaching me. Because you're never so poor you have nothing to give.

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by DeAnn Haynes July 19, 2015—Freedom of the Seas 7-night Western Caribbean out of Port Canaveral July 25-August 8, 2015—Europes Rivers and Castles on AMA Waterways group trip escorted by Amanda Vallone—Learn more about this trip from Diane at 11:20 am in room A

August 12-23, 2015—Double Denali Cruise Tour with Holland America Line. Group departure escorted by Cathy Blanchette on Holland America Line October 15-26, 2015—Costa Rica Eco-Adventure including Guanacaste Beach Stay- Escorted by Amanda And George Vallone—hear more about this at 12:00 from Ashley Vaughn of Trafalgar in room A November 20-30, 2015—Annual Thanksgiving Cruise on Holland America Line- Panama Canal Sunfarer—Escorted by Amanda Vallone June 30-July 11, 2016—Hawaii Getaway on NCL Pride of America.

Escorted by Amanda Vallone and includes Honolulu pre-nights with a Pearl Harbor Tour, Luau, and Las Vegas post-nights.

Section B

December 19, 2014

Tails From The Front—Pets As A Gift

I

n past years, we at HHS, along with many other shelters, have been somewhat hesitant to recommend offering pets as gifts during the holiday season. The idea behind that stance was that the recipients may not want a pet or might not be prepared for the animal. While this seemed to make sense, new data suggests that giving a pet as a gift is not such a bad idea after all.

According to an ASPCA survey, 36 percent of people that have received a pet as a gift said that the animal being a gift had no impact on their love for the animal, and 60 percent said they were actually more attached to the animal due to the circumstances. The percentage of gifted pets that

were returned to shelters was not significantly different from other pets.

Of course, this does not mean it is always the right decision to surprise someone with a pet. When adopting a pet, still make sure to consider the expenses you (or the recipient of the pet) will be facing. In addition to food, treats and toys, pets need regular checkups, vaccinations, and grooming. There is also the potential for trips to the veterinarian to treat illnesses or injuries.

If you decide not to surprise someone with a pet, there are plenty of great alternatives. Halifax Humane Society offers gift certificates that cover the adoption fees of one pet, allowing you to give the gift of a new pet, while still allowing the recipient to make their own choice. You may choose

to wait until the calmer days following the holidays to bring a new pet into your home.

Consider wrapping the pet's items as presents, such as its food or water bowls, a collar or leash, bed, toys, or treats. This way, when the pet arrives home, it already has the supplies it needs to make an easy adjustment.

Find A Festive Feline Starting Friday At HHS For the fourth year in a row, Halifax Humane Society is offering the Festive Felines adoption promotion, featuring the 12 Strays of Christmas. The promotion began on December 13, and continues for 12 days through December 24. During this promotion, all cat adoption fees have been reduced to $12, thanks in part to the support of a generous HHS volunteer.

Each day during the promotion, one of the 12 Strays will be featured on the HHS Facebook page (www.facebook.com /halifaxhumanesociety), along with our Twitter (@Halifax_Humane) and Instagram (@HalifaxHumane) pages.

The goal of this promotion is to find a home for the holidays for all 12 Strays and plenty of other HHS cats. This week, visit the HHS shelter at 2364 LPGA Boulevard to find your favorite Festive Feline.

Tyler Stover is the Community Outreach Director of Halifax Humane Society in Daytona Beach. He can be reached at 386274-4703, ext. 320, or at tstover@halifax humanesociety.org

Blade is enjoying this cooler weather.

Tom is excited for the holiday season.

Allie loves to chase the tennis ball.

Siren is on squirrel alert.

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Page B-2—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014

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Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about qualifications and experience.

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Flashback Test Your Music Knowledge

by Mick Harper

1. Name the artist who released the 1960 song He Will Break Your Heart.

2. Who wrote and recorded Stay?

3. What was on the b-side of Iron Butterfly's first single, Don't Look Down On Me, in 1968?

Answers 1. Jerry Butler. Butler still performs, while he serves on a county board of commissioners in Illinois. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

2. Maurice Williams, who penned the tune in 1953 at age 15. The song made it on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack in 1987.

3. Possession.

4. What band released the glam-rock song Fox On The Run? 4. The Sweet, in 1974.

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Such a brief moment, a small time to spend, The dancing will slow soon, the music will end; In real life we're plastic, nature's unfair, How can we breathe life, how can we share, The knowledge and insights hidden in tombs.”

5. The Music Box Dancer, by Frank Mills in 1974. The Mills version was an instrumental that didn't get much airplay until it was accidentally sent to radio stations, where it took off in 1978.

A year later, bandleader Ray Coniff added the lyrics and put it on his I Will Survive album.

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December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page B-3

Moments In Time Common Sense To Purple Haze On Dec. 28, 1793, Thomas Paine is arrested in France for treason. Though the charges against him were never detailed, he had been tried in absentia on Dec. 26 and convicted. Before moving to France, Paine was an instrumental figure in the American Revolution as the author of Common Sense.

On Dec. 24, 1801, British inventor Richard Trevithick takes his friends for a test ride on his “Puffing Devil,” or “Puffer,” the first steam-powered passenger vehicle. The Puffer could be put to work in mines, on farms, in factories, on ships, and in locomotives of all kinds.

On Dec. 27, 1831, British naturalist Charles Darwin sets out from Plymouth, England, aboard the HMS Beagle on a five-year surveying expedition of the southern Atlantic and Pacific oceans to gather knowledge of the flora, fauna, and geology. This information proved invaluable in the development of his theory of evolution.

On Dec. 22, 1849, writer Fyodor Dostoevsky is led before a firing squad

but receives a last-minute reprieve and is sent to a Siberian labor camp, where he worked for four years. In 1866, he published Crime And Punishment.

On Dec. 25, 1941, White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin, receives its world premiere on the NBC radio program, The Kraft Music Hall. The song went on to become one of the most commercially successful singles of all time.

On Dec. 26, 1966, Jimi Hendrix writes the lyrics to Purple Haze—the song that would give him his breakthrough hit in the United States. Purple Haze had little commercial success. It was Hendrix's legendary, guitar-burning live performance at the Monterey Pop Festival that established him as a star.

On Dec. 23, 1982, the Missouri Department of Health inform residents of Times Beach, Missouri, that their town was contaminated when the chemical dioxin was sprayed on its unpaved roads, and that the town will have to be evacuated and demolished.

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Page B-4—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014

ACTIVE RETIREMENT LIVING

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Strange But True Careful Kissing In Vegas

by Samantha Weaver

It was French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte who made the following sage observation: “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.�

Given the notoriety Las Vegas enjoys as a place for quick weddings, you might be surprised to learn that, technically, it is illegal in that city for a mustachioed man to kiss a woman.

In 1923, a man named Frank Hayes earned the distinction of becoming the ďŹ rst (and so far only) person to win a horse race posthumously.

Hayes was actually a trainer rather than a jockey, and he was riding a 201 underdog named Sweet Kiss. It seems that Hayes suffered a heart attack in the midst of the race, but his body stayed in the saddle while Sweet Kiss beat the odds to cross the ďŹ nish line ďŹ rst. For the rest of her life, the horse he rode was nicknamed “Sweet Kiss Of Death.â€?

In his spare time, Jim Cummings, a successful voice actor, calls sick children in hospital wards and talks to them as some of his most famous characters, including Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.

Some state names have come to the English language through roundabout routes. Take Alaska, for example. The state name comes from the Aleut word “alaxsxaq,� which in turn comes from the Russian meaning the object toward which the action of the sea is directed.

Those who study such things say that even ďŹ sh can have distinct personalities. Within a single species, scientists have observed that some ďŹ sh are quite adventurous, willing to go to great lengths to obtain food or a mate, while others are much more timid, eschewing daring feats altogether. *** Thought For The Day: “If a man does his best, what else is there?â€? —General George S. Patton

Not all hospices are the same.

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Come to our first meeting of the New Year: January 12, 2015. Daytona Int’l Airport 2nd floor.

Slide show of all our trips!

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February 2 & 3 Sapelo Island, GA: Ferry ride & Living History Tour w/ lunch

March 1 Two Across: Alhambra in J-Vill

December 31 New Year’s Eve: Ring in the New Year in Savannah!

Enjoy Holiday Show Dancing, Champagne!

Feb. 21-26 Celebrate Mardi Gras! (New Orleans, Biloxi & Mobile)

March 3 Historic St. Augustine for the Day

Where will we go?

Mystery Trip!

Jan. 22

Feb. 24-26 Along Scenic Florida 98

March 6 Spring Cocoa Arts & Craft Festival

January 28 Harness Racing! Spring Garden Trotters Tour, Lunch, Shop DeLand downtown & Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shop

Feb. 28 Cocoa Theatre “Come On Get Happy�

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Cherry Blossom Festival

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December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page B-5

Veteran’s Post Phoenix Investigation King Features

arlier this year, a physician whistleblower at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Phoenix said that 40 veterans died while waiting for care.

He claimed that schedules were jerryrigged and falsified. The topic exploded into 225 more allegations in Phoenix and 445 around the country.

The VA Office of the Inspector General began investigations at 93 other facilities. Its report concluded that scheduling problems are “a nationwide systemic problem.” The scandal led to the resignation of VA chief Eric Shinseki.

The investigation revealed that in Phoenix alone, 3,500 veterans likely never received an appointment because of falsified wait lists. Patients who were new to the Phoenix area, had recently been in the ER or who'd been hospitalized had difficulty getting appointments.

In case studies, patients waited months with uncontrolled diabetes, waited seven months for a cardiology appointment that would disclose the need for bypass surgery, waited six months for an appointment that would

E

reveal a brain tumor... and more. Conclusion: Patients encountered obstacles that affected their care and certainly didn't help their overall outcomes.

However, the bottom line in Phoenix is that investigators found no proof that those 40 veterans died because of delays in care.

The OIG came up with a number of recommendations. For example, the health-care facilities will review the detailed case studies for disclosure to patients and families, ensure continuity of mental-health care, make changes to ensure timely access to primary care and establish a process whereby facility directors notify the Under Secretary of Health when the standards aren't met.

To read the whole document, go online to va.gov and search for 14-026 03-267, the file number for Review of Alleged Patient Deaths, Patient Wait Times, and Scheduling Practices at the Phoenix VA Health Care System.

Send e-mail to Freddy Groves at columnreply2@gmail.com

EXPIRES 1/5/15

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Page B-6—Seniors Today—December 19, 2014

King’s Crossword

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ACROSS 1 5 8 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 24 25 26 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 41 42 43 48 49 50 51 52 53

Sea bird Trail behind Not hit Neighborhood Melody Concept Iris' cousin Forsaken ___ and don'ts Sentimental song Colorado ski mecca Competent Equipment 1970s music genre Rowing need Boasts Fish eggs Arctic sights Recording Detail Sea anemone, e.g.

Jeopardy! emcee Witnessed Medal earner Gorbachev's policy Bar Lummox Press Radius neighbor Coloring agent Right on the map?

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 46

Joke Web address Meadow Firetruck need Asian nation Have a bug Miscellaneous collections Death Of A Salesman writer American ___ Antitoxins Beach stuff Charged bit Donations to the needy Enthusiastic, plus Close up tightly Prefix with legal or normal Startle Zeus, for one Exam format Imitate Retain Chomp Treasure site with seven cities Permanent resident ___ de deux From one end to the other Actual Green land Secure Put (down) Man-mouse link “Help!”

Answers on Page B-7

For More Information Or To Schedule An Appointment Call 386-673-3535

December 19, 2014—Seniors Today—Page B-7

Do you need a

bfrea k rom your

Caregiving?

Crossword Puzzle On Page B-6

Caregiver’s Day Out may be the Answer!

• Saturday, Jan. 10 • 9 am–2 pm • Thursday, Feb. 12 • 9 am–2 pm • Thursday, Mar. 12 • 9 am–2 pm Care receivers can expect smiling faces, a safe environment, a light meal, and fun activities. Care givers can expect 5 hours of free time... and there’s absolutely NO COST!

Interested? Contact Sherry McElveen 386-677-3581, ext. 311 First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach 336 South Halifax Drive (on the peninsula)